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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 21:5 And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/21-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/05_Deu_21_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 21:5 - The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/21-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/21-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/21-4.htm" title="Deuteronomy 21:4">◄</a> Deuteronomy 21:5 <a href="/deuteronomy/21-6.htm" title="Deuteronomy 21:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/21.htm">New International Version</a> The Levitical priests shall step forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister and to pronounce blessings in the name of the LORD and to decide all cases of dispute and assault. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then the Levitical priests must step forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister before him and to pronounce blessings in the LORD’s name. They are to decide all legal and criminal cases. <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister to him and to bless in the name of the LORD, and by their word every dispute and every assault shall be settled. <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/21.htm">King James Bible</a> And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried: <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/21.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come near, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister to Him and to bless in the name of the LORD; by their word every controversy and every assault shall be settled. <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, because the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and to bless in the name of the LORD; and every dispute and violent crime shall be settled by them. <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come near, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and to bless in the name of the LORD; and every dispute and every assault shall be settled by them. <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come near, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and to bless in the name of the LORD; and every dispute and every assault shall be settled by them. <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come near, for Yahweh your God has chosen them to minister for Him and to bless in the name of Yahweh; and every dispute and every assault shall be settled by them. <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall approach, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and to bless in the Name (Presence) of the LORD; and every dispute and every assault (violent crime) shall be settled by them. <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the priests, the sons of Levi, will come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve him and pronounce blessings in his name, and they are to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the priests, the sons of Levi, will come forward, for Yahweh your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name, and they are to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault. <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them Jehovah thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of Jehovah; and according to their word shall every controversy and every stroke be. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> and the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and according to their word shall every controversy and every stroke be: <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The priests, the descendants of Levi, must come forward. The LORD your God has chosen them to serve him as priests and to bless people in the LORD's name. Their decision is final in all cases involving a disagreement or an assault. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> The levitical priests are to go there also, because they are to decide every legal case involving violence. The LORD your God has chosen them to serve him and to pronounce blessings in his name. <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the priests of the sons of Levi are to step forward, because the LORD your God chose them to serve and pronounce blessings in his name. Every case of dispute and assault is to be subject to their ruling. <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault. <a href="/net/deuteronomy/21.htm">NET Bible</a> Then the Levitical priests will approach (for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve him and to pronounce blessings in his name, and to decide every judicial verdict) <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD your God has chosen to minister to him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and according to their word shall every controversy and every stroke be. <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near (for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister to him, and to bless in the name of the LORD) and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried; <a href="/web/deuteronomy/21.htm">World English Bible</a> The priests the sons of Levi shall come near, for them Yahweh your God has chosen to minister to him, and to bless in Yahweh’s name; and according to their word shall every controversy and every assault be decided. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the priests, sons of Levi, have come near—for your God YHWH has fixed on them to serve Him and to bless in the Name of YHWH, and by their mouth is every strife and every stroke— <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And the priests, sons of Levi, have come nigh -- for on them hath Jehovah thy God fixed to serve Him, and to bless in the name of Jehovah, and by their mouth is every strife, and every stroke -- <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the priests, the sons of Levi, came near, for in them Jehovah thy God chose to serve him and to bless in the name of Jehovah, and by their mouth shall be every controversy and every blow.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the priests the sons of Levi shall come, whom the Lord thy God hath chosen to minister to him, and to bless in his name, and that by their word every matter should be decided, and whatsoever is clean or unclean should be judged. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the priests the sons of Levi shall approach, those whom the Lord your God has chosen to minister to him, and to bless in his name, and to decide every controversy by their word, and to judge which things are clean and which are unclean. <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/21.htm">New American Bible</a> The priests, the descendants of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD, your God, has chosen them to minister to him and to bless in the name of the LORD, and every case of dispute or assault shall be for them to decide. <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister to him and to pronounce blessings in the name of the LORD, and by their decision all cases of dispute and assault shall be settled.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near, for them the LORD your God has chosen to minister to him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every lawsuit and every attack be tried; <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Priests, the children of Levi, shall bring it, for LORD JEHOVAH your God has chosen them for his service and to bless in the Name of LORD JEHOVAH and every judgment and every blow shall be by the word of their mouths:<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near--for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto Him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and according to their word shall every controversy and every stroke be. <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the priests the Levites shall come, because the Lord God has chosen them to stand by him, and to bless in his name, and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be decided. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5719" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/21.htm">The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder</a> …4bring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream. 5<a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hă·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">And the priests,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/3878.htm" title="3878: lê·wî (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him. From lavah; attached; Levi, a son of Jacob.">of Levi,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: wə·nig·gə·šū (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To draw near, approach. ">shall come forward,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇām (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: bā·ḥar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">has chosen them</a> <a href="/hebrew/8334.htm" title="8334: lə·šā·rə·ṯōw (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf:: 3ms) -- To minister, serve. A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to.">to serve Him</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: ū·lə·ḇā·rêḵ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">and pronounce blessings</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">in His</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: bə·šêm (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">name</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">and to give a ruling</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî·hem (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">in every</a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: rîḇ (N-ms) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest.">dispute</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5061.htm" title="5061: nā·ḡa‘ (N-ms) -- A stroke, plague, mark. From naga'; a blow; also a spot.">and case of assault.</a> 6Then all the elders of the city nearest the victim shall wash their hands by the stream over the heifer whose neck has been broken,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/18-5.htm">Numbers 18:5-7</a> And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. / Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting. / But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” <a href="/1_chronicles/23-13.htm">1 Chronicles 23:13</a> The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever. <a href="/leviticus/10-8.htm">Leviticus 10:8-11</a> Then the LORD said to Aaron, / “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come. / You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and the unclean, ... <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Malachi 2:7</a> For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/2_chronicles/19-11.htm">2 Chronicles 19:11</a> Note that Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. And the Levites will serve as officers before you. Act resolutely; may the LORD be with the upright!” <a href="/exodus/28-1.htm">Exodus 28:1</a> “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. <a href="/1_samuel/2-28.htm">1 Samuel 2:28</a> And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites. <a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">Hebrews 5:1-4</a> Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. / He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. / That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. ... <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/matthew/18-18.htm">Matthew 18:18</a> Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. <a href="/john/20-23.htm">John 20:23</a> If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” <a href="/numbers/6-23.htm">Numbers 6:23-27</a> “Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: / ‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; / may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; ... <a href="/2_chronicles/26-18.htm">2 Chronicles 26:18</a> They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” <a href="/ezekiel/44-23.htm">Ezekiel 44:23-24</a> They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean. / In any dispute, they shall officiate as judges and judge according to My ordinances. They must keep My laws and statutes regarding all My appointed feasts, and they must keep My Sabbaths holy. <a href="/matthew/16-19.htm">Matthew 16:19</a> I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD your God has chosen to minister to him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried:for them<a href="/deuteronomy/10-8.htm">Deuteronomy 10:8</a> At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.<a href="/deuteronomy/18-5.htm">Deuteronomy 18:5</a> For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.<a href="/numbers/6-22.htm">Numbers 6:22-27</a> And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, … by their word<a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Deuteronomy 17:8-12</a> If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose; … <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Malachi 2:7</a> For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.word [heb] mouth <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/14-5.htm">Assault</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-15.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-29.htm">Blessings</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-16.htm">Cases</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-5.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-17.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Decide</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-17.htm">Dispute</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-9.htm">Levi</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-7.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-17.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Pronounce</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">Settled</a> <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Step</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm">Stroke</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-10.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-22.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/7-8.htm">Assault</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-20.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-2.htm">Blessings</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-8.htm">Cases</a> <a href="/joshua/24-22.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Decide</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Dispute</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-12.htm">Levi</a> <a href="/joshua/1-1.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-8.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-13.htm">Pronounce</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-14.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-1.htm">Settled</a> <a href="/judges/19-27.htm">Step</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-61.htm">Stroke</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-23.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 21</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/21-1.htm">The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder</a> 10. <a href="/deuteronomy/21-10.htm">The usage of a captive taken to wife</a> 15. <a href="/deuteronomy/21-15.htm">The firstborn is not to be disinherited upon private affection</a> 18. <a href="/deuteronomy/21-18.htm">A rebellious son is to be stoned to death</a> 22. <a href="/deuteronomy/21-22.htm">The malefactor must not hang all night on a tree</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward The Levites were set apart by God for specific religious duties. Their role as priests is rooted in their selection by God to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple. This phrase emphasizes their unique position among the tribes of Israel. The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, as their inheritance was the Lord Himself (<a href="/numbers/18-20.htm">Numbers 18:20-24</a>). Their coming forward signifies their active role in religious and judicial matters, highlighting their authority and responsibility in the community.for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him This choice by God underscores the divine selection and sanctification of the Levites for His service. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God choosing individuals or groups for specific purposes, as seen with figures like Abraham and David. The Levites' service included maintaining the sanctuary, offering sacrifices, and teaching the law (<a href="/deuteronomy/33-10.htm">Deuteronomy 33:10</a>). This divine election is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His plans for His people.and pronounce blessings in His name The act of pronouncing blessings was a significant priestly function, symbolizing the mediation between God and His people. The Aaronic blessing in <a href="/numbers/6-24.htm">Numbers 6:24-26</a> is a prime example of this role. Blessings were not mere words but carried the power and authority of God when spoken by His chosen representatives. This function points to the priests as conduits of divine favor and grace, foreshadowing the ultimate blessing brought through Jesus Christ, our High Priest (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault The priests also served as judges, providing rulings in legal matters. This judicial role is seen in passages like <a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Deuteronomy 17:8-13</a>, where difficult cases were brought to the priests and judges for resolution. Their involvement in legal disputes ensured that decisions were made according to God's law, maintaining justice and order within the community. This function highlights the integration of religious and civil duties in ancient Israel, with the priests acting as both spiritual and legal authorities.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_priests.htm">The Priests</a> These are the descendants of Levi, specifically chosen by God to serve in religious duties and to act as mediators between God and the people of Israel. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_sons_of_levi.htm">The Sons of Levi</a> This refers to the Levitical priesthood, a tribe set apart for religious service and maintaining the tabernacle and later the temple. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord_your_god.htm">The LORD your God</a> The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who has chosen the Levites for a special role in the community of Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/m/ministering_and_pronouncing_blessings.htm">Ministering and Pronouncing Blessings</a> The priests are tasked with performing religious duties and invoking God's favor upon the people. 5. <a href="/topical/c/cases_of_dispute_and_assault.htm">Cases of Dispute and Assault</a> The priests are also responsible for making judicial decisions in matters of conflict and violence, ensuring justice according to God's law.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_priesthood.htm">The Role of the Priesthood</a> The Levitical priesthood was divinely appointed to serve as mediators between God and His people, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_justice.htm">The Importance of Justice</a> The priests' role in deciding disputes underscores the biblical principle of justice, reminding believers of the need for fairness and righteousness in all dealings. <a href="/topical/b/blessings_and_intercession.htm">Blessings and Intercession</a> The priests' duty to pronounce blessings illustrates the power of intercession and the importance of seeking God's favor and guidance in our lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_choice.htm">God's Sovereign Choice</a> The selection of the Levites demonstrates God's sovereign will in choosing individuals for specific purposes, encouraging believers to seek and fulfill their God-given roles. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_our_high_priest.htm">Christ as Our High Priest</a> The Levitical priesthood points forward to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for us and provides a perfect example of service and sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 21</a> <a href="/q/why_does_the_torah_describe_moses'_death.htm">If Moses wrote the Torah, why does it describe his own death in Deuteronomy 34?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_levi's_landlessness_align_biblically.htm">How does Deuteronomy 10:8's statement that Levi had no land inheritance align with inherited lands described in other biblical texts?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_use_the_ephod_for_guidance.htm">How did David consult the ephod for instant divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:9-12 when similar direct communication is uncommon elsewhere in the Old Testament?</a> <a href="/q/why_insist_on_one_worship_site_in_deut._12_5.htm">In Deuteronomy 12:5, why does the text insist on a single worship location when Israel's central sanctuary seems to have varied or been established later in Jerusalem?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near. The presence of the priests at this ceremony was due to their position as the servants of Jehovah the King of Israel, on whom it devolved to see that all was done in any matter as his Law prescribed. The priests present were probably those from the nearest Levitical town. And by their word shall every controversy and every stroke he tried; literally, And upon their mouth shall be every strife and every stroke, i.e. by their judgment the character of the act shall be determined, and as they decide so shall the matter stand (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/10-8.htm">Deuteronomy 10:8</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Deuteronomy 17:8</a>). In the present case the presence of the priests at the transaction gave it sanction as valid. <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And the priests, הַכֹּהֲנִים֮ (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest the sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Levi, לֵוִי֒ (lê·wî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3878.htm">Strong's 3878: </a> Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him shall come forward, וְנִגְּשׁ֣וּ (wə·nig·gə·šū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> To draw near, approach for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the LORD יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative has chosen בָּחַ֞ר (bā·ḥar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> To try, select them to serve לְשָׁ֣רְת֔וֹ (lə·šā·rə·ṯōw) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8334.htm">Strong's 8334: </a> To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to Him and pronounce blessings וּלְבָרֵ֖ךְ (ū·lə·ḇā·rêḵ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse in His יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel name בְּשֵׁ֣ם (bə·šêm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name and to give a ruling וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against in every כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every dispute רִ֥יב (rîḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> Strife, dispute and case of assault. נָֽגַע׃ (nā·ḡa‘) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5061.htm">Strong's 5061: </a> Mark -- a blow, a spot <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Deuteronomy 21:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Deuteronomy 21:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Deuteronomy 21:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Deuteronomy 21:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Deuteronomy 21:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Deuteronomy 21:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Deuteronomy 21:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Deuteronomy 21:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Deuteronomy 21:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Deuteronomy 21:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 21:5 The priests the sons of Levi shall (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/21-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 21:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 21:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/21-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 21:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 21:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>